Cincinnati African American Events and Things to Do in 2026

What’s happening in Black Cincinnati in 2026

Cincinnati African American Events this year.

Hip-hop, R&B, soul, Jazz, reggae, gospel, old school, and symphony live-music concerts happening in Cincinnati in 2026

Black composers, plays, museum exhibits, comedy shows, concert series, operas, dance recitals, local music, and festivals in Cincinnati.

Black Cincinnatians can routinely and affordably enjoy the performing arts, fine arts, musicians, entertainers, comedians, program initiatives, and more. Arts and entertainment at Cincinnati African American Events can help improve physical and mental health.

Text VOBC to 513-966-3328 to receive an updated weekly calendar of Black events in Cincinnati!

See what’s happening in Black Cincinnati this week!

Feel free to submit an event to be considered in this article. All Cincinnati African American Events listed are as current as the publication date. Readers are encouraged to verify the information before taking action.

2026 Cincinnati African American Events

American Mosaic

Symphony Concert
March 13 – March 15
Music Hall (OTR)
Stunning video imagery from across all 50 states, passages from Boyer’s quintessential American-themed orchestral music, plus live narration by award-winning actor Martin Sheen of powerful, relevant quotes from throughout American history, will combine to celebrate the land, cities, towns, people, and spirit of the United States for its 250th birthday.

We Are One: Roots

Festival
March 12 – March 15
Multiple Venues
Explore the relationship between West African music and African American music in a series of three public performances and in-school workshops.

What’s the Scoop?

Financial Literacy and Employment Event
March 14, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Graduate Hotel by Hilton (Clifton)
What’s the Scoop? is a high-energy, interactive experience inviting youth ages 13–18 and their parents to learn, play, and grow their financial confidence together. Through exciting games, hands-on challenges, and dynamic learning stations, participants will explore budgeting, saving, earning, and smart decision-making in a way that feels practical, empowering, and fun.

Prom Dress and Accessories Drive

Drive
March 14, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church (Lincoln Heights)
Free Admission
A community-wide prom dress and accessories drive that provides free attire to local youth facing financial barriers, while also creating an uplifting experience that eases family stress and ensures teens can fully participate in this important milestone.

Adam Hawley & Julian Vaughn

Jazz Concert
March 14, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Starting at $35
This dynamic pairing brings Hawley’s soulful guitar melodies together with Vaughn’s signature bass-driven sound, creating a stylish blend of rhythm and sophistication.

Film Screening of Trail Markers & Poetry Workshop

Community Day
March 15, 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (The Banks)
Free Admission
Enjoy a film screening and a conversation with the film’s creator, Mona Gazala. Following the screening, participants are invited to join Mandy Shunnarah for a docupoetics workshop that examines how poetry can bear witness to the world around us.

The Wiz

Broadway Musical
Through March 15
Aronoff Center for the Arts (Downtown)
This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and finger-snapping 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world. Enjoy 50% off day-of-show pricing 2 hours prior to the show. This offer is valid on all performances, two tickets per person, in person only.

The Phil Collins Experience

Concert
March 15, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
The Phil Collins Experience is a high-energy, multimedia tribute production that vividly brings the legendary music of Phil Collins and Genesis to life.

Star Dust with Complexions

Contemporary Ballet
March 19, 7:30 p.m.
Aronoff Center for the Arts (Downtown)
Armed with a rich Alvin Ailey lineage and a cadre of sixteen stunning dancers, and led by dance icons Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, Complexions Contemporary Ballet has awakened audiences to a new, exciting genre with their singular approach of reinventing dance and contemporary ballet.

The Robert Cray Band

Blues Concert
March 20, 8 p.m.
Memorial Hall (OTR)
Led by the legendary Robert Cray, the band will showcase their masterful guitar work, soulful vocals, and signature sound that has earned them multiple Grammy Awards.

Beethoven, Mozart & Haydn

Symphony Concert
March 20 – March 21
Music Hall (OTR)
Haydn’s Symphony No. 103, Mozart’s Strassburg Concerto with violinist Renaud Capuçon, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 create a program of drama, elegance, and youthful energy.

Black Family Wellness Expo

Wellness Expo
March 21, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
New Prospect Baptist Church (Roselawn)
Featuring health workshops, a community blood drive, vendor resources, and family-centered programming to improve wellness outcomes across generations.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

African Concert
March 22, 7 p.m.
Memorial Hall (OTR)
The legendary South African vocal group blends soaring a cappella vocals with powerful storytelling rooted in Zulu culture and history.

Michelle Buteau

Comedy Show
March 28, 7:30 p.m.
Taft Theatre (Downtown)
The award-winning comedian, actress, and bestselling author, is hitting the road in 2025 with her highly anticipated new stand-up tour

Classical Roots

Symphony Concert
March 28, 7:30 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
For over two decades, Classical Roots has been a Cincinnati community staple celebrating the rich legacy of African American music. Love and community will ring throughout Music Hall when the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Classical Roots Community Choir, Nouveau Program, and more come together for an evening of joyful song.

Voices in Jubilation

Choral Celebration
March 29, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (The Banks)
Celebrate the enduring power of music, storytelling, and performance with a dynamic afternoon of live arts.

Xavier Jesuit Academy Admissions Open House

Open House
April 1, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Xavier Jesuit Academy (Bond Hill)
Tour the Bond Hill campus, meet dedicated faculty and staff, and discover how XJA’s scholarship-funded education prepares young men in grades 3–8 to become faith‑filled leaders and Men for Others.

Rec@Nite Special Event Staff Member

Job Opportunity
Apply through April 1
This role involves providing outstanding customer service, ensuring event setups, execution, and breakdown of REC@Nite teen-focused events and programs run smoothly, and assisting with event coordination before, during, and after events.

Avery*Sunshine

R&B Concert
April 4, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Known for her powerful vocals, heartfelt songwriting, and inspiring messages of love and empowerment, she delivers performances that are both intimate and uplifting.

Ben Rector: Songs for America

Symphony Concert
April 7, 7:30 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
Equal parts golden-era pop, Broadway, and modern hymn, Ben brings this brand-new orchestral collaboration to Music Hall for a one-of-a-kind acoustic show that features the intimacy of guitar and piano with the strength of a full symphony orchestra.

African American History along the Cincinnati Riverfront

Walking Tour
April 11,10 a.m. – Noon
John Augustus Roebling Statue (Covington)
Explore the deep significance of the Ohio River for Cincinnati’s African American history of resistance, achievement, and leadership from the 1800s through the 20th century.

Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2

Symphony Concert
April 11 – April 12
Music Hall (OTR)
Margaret Brouwer’s Pulse, James Ehnes performing Scottish-themed violin works, and Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2 create a program of rhythmic drive, lyrical beauty, and sweeping emotional depth.

The Music of Studio Ghibli

Symphony Concert
April 14, 7:30 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
Conjure the animated universe of Hayao Miyazaki’s acclaimed and award-winning films with the spellbinding scores of Joe Hisaishi. Featuring music from My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Kiki’s Delivery Service, your Cincinnati Pops presents the music of legendary Studio Ghibli favorites.

AJ Ghent & His Singing Guitar

R&B Concert
April 17, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Known for his unique “singing steel” guitar and energetic blend of blues, futhat’sck, and gospel, Ghent delivers a show that’s both soulful and electrifying.

Mendelssohn Symphony No. 3

Symphony Concert
April 17 – April 18
Music Hall (OTR)
Adolphe’s Underneath the Sheen, Chopin’s Second Piano Concerto with Lise de la Salle, and Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony create a program evoking forest light, poetic intimacy, and the rugged beauty of the Highlands.

Brian Simpson, Jackiem Joyner & Jessy J.

Jazz Concert
April 18, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
This powerhouse trio combines soulful piano melodies, compelling saxophone grooves, and vibrant Latin-inspired jazz, crafting a richly layered and energetic performance.

Stravinsky’s Firebird

Symphony Concert
April 24 – April 25
Music Hall (OTR)
Music Director Cristian Mӑcelaru, the CSO, and expert puppeteers and dancers from Janni Younge Productions come together in this sonic and theatrical depiction of The Firebird, which builds to a dramatic, fiery finish.

Abolitionists & African Americans in Walnut Hills

Walking Tour
April 25, 10 a.m. – Noon
Harriet Beecher Stowe House (Walnut Hills)
Walnut Hills is a diverse, historic, and changing Cincinnati neighborhood. Walk and learn with a guide from the Harriet Beecher Stowe House.

Health Expo | Center for Closing the Health Gap

Community Health Event
April 25, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Washington Park (OTR)
Screenings will include blood pressure, glucose levels, BMI, mammography, select cancer screenings, and hearing, vision, and speech testing for children.

The String Queens

Concert
April 30, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
This powerhouse trio blends classical, jazz, R&B, and pop influences to create a sound that’s both timeless and refreshingly modern. Experience an inspiring evening of masterful musicianship and soulful energy.

The Music of Star Wars

Symphony Concert
May 1 – May 3
Music Hall (OTR)
Travel to galaxies far, far away as the Cincinnati Pops performs the best music from across the Star Wars universe by John Williams, Michael Giacchino, and Ludwig Göransson.

Louis York

R&B Concert
May 8, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Comprising hitmakers Chuck Harmony and Claude Kelly, Louis York seamlessly blends classic melodies with modern grooves, delivering feel-good music that resonates across generations.

Pieces of a Dream

Jazz Concert
May 9, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Known for blending contemporary jazz, R&B, and funk, the group delivers rich melodies and dynamic performances that have captivated audiences for decades.

Beethoven & Tchaikovsky

Symphony Concert
May 8 – May 9
Music Hall (OTR)
From its powerful brass fanfare—fate’s ominous call—to the electrifying energy of the finale, the symphony is a deeply cathartic journey through anguish, resilience, and eventual exhilaration. Beethoven & Tchaikovsky will be brought to life under the baton of acclaimed Black conductor Roderick Cox.

Baby Cham

Reggae Concert
May 13, 8 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
An intimate, high‑energy dancehall experience in one of Cincinnati’s most unique live venues. The show blends his classic hits with newer material, making it a rare chance to catch a legendary performer up close.

African American History along the Cincinnati Riverfront

Walking Tour
May 16,10 a.m. – Noon
John Augustus Roebling Statue (Covington)
Explore the deep significance of the Ohio River for Cincinnati’s African American history of resistance, achievement, and leadership from the 1800s through the 20th century.

Kid Cudi with M.I.A., Big Boi, and A-Trak

Rap Concert
May 16, 6:30 p.m.
Riverbend Music Center (Anderson)
Grammy-award-winning rapper and songwriter Kid Cudi has announced ‘The Rebel Ragers Tour’, hitting over 30 cities in North America.

After Hours: Prom Edition

21+ Celebration
May 14, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Cincinnati Museum Center (Queensgate)
Dance through the decades of prom fashion, music, and culture. Enjoy themed cocktails, prom hits from the past five decades, photo ops, karaoke, and a chance to relive the magic and cringeworthy fashion of prom in every era.

Jon B

R&B Concert
May 22, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Known for hits like “They Don’t Know,” “Someone to Love,” and “Are U Still Down,” Jon B helped shape contemporary R&B with his signature blend of romance and groove.

Baby Keem

Rap Concert
May 23, 8:30 p.m.
Andrew J Brady Music Center (The Banks)
Baby Keem is a Grammy-winning rapper, songwriter, and producer recognized for his inventive sound and boundary-pushing approach to modern hip-hop.

Abolitionists & African Americans in Walnut Hills

Walking Tour
May 30, 10 a.m. – Noon
Harriet Beecher Stowe House (Walnut Hills)
Walnut Hills is a diverse, historic, and changing Cincinnati neighborhood. Walk and learn with a guide from the Harriet Beecher Stowe House.

Ari Lennox

R&B Concert
June 5, 8 p.m.
Andrew J Brady Music Center (The Banks)
GRAMMY-nominated R&B powerhouse Ari Lennox is hitting the road in 2026 with her highly anticipated North American tour in support of her critically acclaimed third studio album, Vacancy.

On Freedom’s Doorstep: A Celebration of Cincinnati Black History

History Celebration
June 6, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Heritage Village Museum (Sharonville)
This event celebrates the lives and contributions of Black Cincinnatians from the city’s chartering in 1788 to the end of World War I in 1919.

Lindsey Webster

Jazz Concert
June 12, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Known for her warm vocals and modern blend of jazz, R&B, and soul, Webster delivers emotionally rich songs that feel both intimate and timeless.

Jubilation! Ambassadors on a Sacred Journey

Special Exhibit
Through June 21
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (The Banks)
Celebrating the history, accomplishments, and legacies of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, the exhibition takes visitors on a journey as they become familiar with the individuals and music of this world-renowned ensemble, which introduced African American spirituals to the world.

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

Jazz Concert
June 23, 8 p.m.
Taft Theatre (Downtown)
Blending rock, funk, soul, jazz, blues, hip-hop, and Caribbean influences into a raucous, high-energy sound, Shorty has built a reputation as one of the most dynamic and ecstatic live performers working today.

Spyro Gyra

Jazz Concert
June 27, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
An intimate night of genre‑blending jazz fusion from one of the most enduring bands in contemporary instrumental music.

Kirk Whalem

July 11, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Soulful, passionate, stirring, these are the words most often used to describe Kirk Whalum’s music. Forged from his Memphis gospel roots and Houston’s thriving nightclub scene in the 1980s, Kirk’s big, rich tenor sound is unmistakably his.

Kindred The Family Soul

R&B Concert
July 18, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
The husband-and-wife duo is celebrated for music rooted in love, family, and real-life experiences, blending smooth grooves with uplifting, conscious lyrics.

Jonathan Butler

Jazz Concert
August 29, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
The Sister Accord Foundation is pleased to announce that world-renowned singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Jonathan Butler, will receive The Sister Accord Leadership Award in recognition of his long-standing commitment to Excellence.

Stokley

R&B Concert
August 30, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
The Sister Accord Foundation is pleased to welcome previous Sister Accord Leadership Award Recipient, Stokley, to help in celebrating their 13th Anniversary.

Pitbull with Lil Jon

Rap Concert
September 15, 8 p.m.
Riverbend Music Center (Anderson)
Following numerous successful solo touring runs, Mr. Worldwide is once again set to deliver an electrifying live experience packed with career-spanning hits, instantly recognizable anthems, and nonstop party energy.

Karyn White

R&B Concert
October 10, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Known for hits like “Superwoman” and “Secret Rendezvous,” White brings her powerhouse vocals and timeless style. Fans can look forward to a soulful, high-energy performance that showcases why she remains one of the defining voices of ’90s R&B.

BLKBOK

Classical Concert
October 30, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
An evening that blends classical technique with the emotional storytelling of modern piano composition.

Cincinnatians can enjoy Cincinnati African American Events nearly every night of the week. Visit our weekly list of things to do to see which arts centers, concert halls, auditoriums, and venues offer chamber, classical, philharmonic, orchestral, choral, folk, R&B, hip-hop, soul, or gospel music.

Cincinnati is also fortunate to have nationally known artists display their talents in the Queen City music scene. Touring acclaimed African American artists, artistic directors, singers, music directors, and performers routinely visit.

When purchasing tickets for Cincinnati African American Events, ask the box office about exclusive deals, discount options, community performances, dress rehearsals, recitals, or same-day options. Some events will sell out quickly, so buy tickets while you can.

The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize, and create opportunities for African Americans. Want to find local news, events, job postings, scholarships, and a database of local Black-owned businesses? Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, like our Facebook page, join our Facebook group, and text VOBC to 513-966-3328.

Cincinnati African American Events photo provided by AdobeStock